Guide to Eastern Shiga
Overview of Eastern Shiga
Eastern Shiga is home to Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, where castles and traditional culture thrive.
Hikone City is a castle town that retains its historic charm, allowing visitors to experience local traditions through its streetscape and cultural sites.
Higashi-omi offers a mix of historic temples, traditional industries, and beautiful rural landscapes, providing a glimpse into authentic Shiga life.
Omi-Hachiman is famous for its historic canals, merchant houses, and traditional crafts, a town known for its cultural heritage and timeless atmosphere.
Trip Ideas in Eastern Shiga
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Visit the Azuchi Castle Ruins and Historic Hachiman Canal
See Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure and Become Lucky in Love
Explore Omi Merchant Houses and Tarobogu Shrine
The Mystery of the Vanished Castle… and Shopping!
Cycle Through Time Along Historical Roads & Canals
Let’s make your own OMAMORI “Lucky charm” in Higashi-omi city
Une tradition millénaire au coeur de Shiga
Hikone & Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival
See the town along the banks of the lake illuminated by 6,000 fireworks.
Original Boat Tour
The Omi-Hachiman boat tour allows you to enjoy a different, natural world while riding a boat under the skillful control of a traditional boast master.
Aikyo-no-Mori
Aikyo-no-Mori (Aikyo Forest) is located amid a natural pine forest that spreads along the Shibukogawa River, a tributary of the Echigawa River.
Hachiman Moat Tour
The Hachiman Moat Tour allows you to take to the stunning Hachiman Moats in a Japanese-style boat.
Takeshima Cruise (Omi Marine)
Linking Hikone Port with Takeshima in just 20 minutes, a simple and easy way to visit one of Hikone’s greatest sightseeing spots.
Rare Wood Beads Bijoux
Experience hand-making accessories using precious rare wood beads.
Hikone Castle Resort & Spa
Provides a full range of souvenirs from Shiga, including confections, traditional art and local sake!
Hotel New Omi
Just one minute on foot from JR Omi-Hachiman Station, this hotel is conveniently located for both business and sightseeing.
Comfort Inn Omi Hachiman
This hotel is located conveniently close to Omi-Hachiman Station and offers a free breakfast to all guests.
Kyukamura Omi-Hachiman
Kyukamura is located amid the rich natural environment of the Biwako Quasi-National Park, and features beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and popular lake swimming and camping spots in the summer.
Eigenji Onsen Happuno-Yu
Eigenji Onsen “Happuno-Yu,” located in front of the gates to Eigenji Temple, allows you to enjoy outdoor bathing amid incredible natural beauty.
Hotel Sunroute Hikone
A hotel located just one minute on foot from Hikone Station, making it extremely conveniently located for visiting such National Treasures as the Hikone-jo Castle or Taga Taisha Shrine.
Explore More Things to Do in Eastern Shiga
Wondering what to pack for your trip?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
